Dark Phoenix

by Lightningscar

"This camp isn't for me. I don't belong." A few years after Nico said this, some Campers apparently agreed. Will Nico find a new home at Hogwarts or will he meet rejection there as well? Will he even want to return to Camp Half-Blood when they need him? No slash. Ignores 'Heroes of Olympus' series, though characters from it might appear.

10. Chapter 10

AN1/2: As per request by a reviewer, I will try giving a short résumé of the major events till now. It is not something I will be doing every time though, perhaps every 5-10 chapters.

Events up till now: Nico was attacked late at night by some campers and monsters. He escaped his attackers, but ended up at Hogwarts. Hades, furious at the attack on his only living son has given Camp Half-Blood an ultimatum: Find his son before the winter solstice, or he will have them all hunted down and killed.

Hazel has been attacked near Camp Jupiter by Annabeth, a few campers and the Hunters of Artemis. Enraged, and now suspicious of Nico, Camp Jupiter has sent a squad led by praetor Jason Grace to bring Nico to Camp Jupiter for questioning. Jason and his team confronted Nico, but they lost the fight, a fight that almost completely destroyed the Quidditch Stadium. What none of them knew was that Neville was there to witness and hear some of their conversation and fight. Nico later confronted Neville, and the two of them formed a strange friendship.

Harry, Ron and Hermione, initially suspicious of Nico, have come to think of him as their friend, not knowing that Nico to begin with had an agreement with Draco Malfoy: Information on the Ministry and the magical society in exchange for information on Harry and his friends.

That about sums it up I think. That being said: Please fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride… it is the longest yet, I think, on this tour. Without further ado, here is the next chapter of 'Dark Phoenix'

Chapter 10: Battle Tactics, Lesson 101.

Nico wondered, for the umpteenth time, what he had gotten himself into as he surveyed the gathered students in the Room of Requirement. There was a reason he didn't teach any subjects at Camp Half-Blood when he was there: He was no teacher. But for now, he was content with leaning against a bookcase, allowing his thoughts to wander as the other teenagers on the silk cushions on the floor argued over what they should call their group.

Umbridge's response to them forming their group had come a few days later, as she had put up another decree that forbid the forming of groups, organizations, teams, clubs and societies without the High Inquisitor knowing and approving of them. Moreover, already existing clubs, teams etc. had to ask for approval from the High Inquisitor to reform, facing expulsion if they were caught without Umbridge's knowledge and approval. And with the definition of groups, teams and clubs being frequent meetings between three or more students, it was pretty much impossible to meet without drawing suspicion.

It was a smart move on Umbridge's part, Nico had to admit. By putting forth a definition of what she meant by a club and the consequences of being caught, she had made hiding their activities much harder. Not to mention that the fear of expulsion might dissuade a lot of people. And the worst part was that there was nothing they could do about it. Her, or rather the Ministry's move, was perfectly legal as it could be put together with a rule about preventing the students from consuming drugs or strong alcohol at Hogwarts.

Nico shook his head. It was no brainer that someone had run their mouth. Apparently it was none of the gathered students as Hermione had told them that they would know because of a jinx she had cast on a piece of parchment all of the members had signed. All but Nico, as he had been having a rather unpleasant conversation with Jason Grace at the time. He had signed it later, but fact remained that he should be considered a suspect by the others, but that didn't seem to be the case. Well, from the looks of it, some like Zacharias thought so, though he didn't dare voice his suspicions out loud.

Nico himself had three suspects: Draco Malfoy was one of them as he might have run straight to Umbridge after their last meeting. But that didn't make that much sense to Nico. Sure, it was Malfoy's style, but considering that the decree only came right after the meeting in Hogsmeade and not before, it seemed unlikely. That left Nico with two main suspects: The mummy and the witch covered in veils. Both seemed like likely candidates, as the bartender seemed to be the type of guy that minded his own business. He sighed internally. Nothing he could do about it.

The son of Hades looked around the room. The Room of Requirement really was a magnificent room. When he first heard they were going to use the room, he had been more than a tad nervous about them discovering his forge and illegal weapons, but the room they had asked for had no trace what-so-ever of the smithery or the blades, or the flat piece of metal with cutting edges and a form similar to a gourd. Or with a bit of imagination, it could look like a butterfly or snowman.

Nico frowned. Ever since his meeting with Jason in Hogsmeade, the son of Hades had scouted through the Dark or Forbidden Forest, depending on who you asked, searching for the Romans' camp. He suspected Jason had told him they were there in the hopes of luring him out of the castle and capturing him. Well, he had come out alright. But they had been oblivious to his presence when he found their camp last night. It was a small camp with two tents and a fire. But their mood had been more heated than the fire. Apparently, Jason had put their mission on hold; no doubt because of what Nico had told him about Thalia. The son of Jupiter almost looked catatonic and Nico almost, almost, felt bad for being the cause of it, but he had told Jason about Thalia for another reason than respect. He respected Jason very much and he had had no longer any reason to hide that Thalia was still alive, but he also hoped that telling Jason about Thalia would throw the son of Jupiter off his back and get him some breathing room. So far, it seemed to be working as Jason apparently had vetoed Frank's, who was over his flu, idea of scouting Hogwarts in one of his animal forms, much to the son of Mars' anger and frustration. But Jason was the oldest camper and the team leader, not to mention praetor, and as such, had the final word.

But the son of Hades decided that he better be more observant of small animals inside Hogwarts as the Beast Boy wannabe would either go against orders, or when the Static wannabe got over his shock. Nico chuckled. Jason and Frank hadn't been too happy with him the first time he made that comparison. Though, none of them could match Octavian's anger when Nico told the augur to stop wasting his time with prophecies from fortune cookies.

"Nico, are you listening?"

Nico blinked before focusing on Hermione who was giving him a look of concern. "Sorry Hermione. Guess I zoned out for a minute there."

Some of the Gryffindors snickered and he was sure he heard some comments about him doing that a lot, but he chose to focus on Hermione's response. "I was just asking if you would have any problem with us calling ourselves for Dumbledore's Army? After all, you are also a co-founder and one of our teachers."

Nico shrugged. "Dumbledore's Army? Sure, why not. But if we are going to train tonight, I suggest we do it now." He looked at Harry. "Got anything planned?"

Harry gave a brief nod. Nico might be his friend, but the piercing gaze of the other boy still unnerved him "Yeah. I thought we should start with Expelliarmus, you know, the Disarming spell. I know it is a beginner-level spell, but…"

"Oh for Merlin's sake, give me a break." All heads turned to Zacharias Smith who sat with crossed arms. "I don't really think Expelliarmus are going to do us much good against You-Know-Who, do you?"

Harry opened his mouth to say something, but the room grew cold and dark as Nico spoke. "The Disarming Charm might not be of much use against Voldemort. But, and this goes for all of you, the basic spells should be the backbone of your arsenal. Something you can always use if you find yourself low on energy or another dire situation. Also, ask yourself this: If you haven't mastered the basics, what chance do you have at mastering the advanced stuff? Why do you think the first years aren't taught seventh year material?"

Silence fell as people considered Nico's words, the room returning to its normal illumination and temperature. Harry had to hand to Nico: He understood getting his point across, even if it made their friends feel like idiots. And no matter how this session would go, he was sure one thing would stick with the other members: When Nico talks, you shut up and listen. No what ifs or buts about it, you just do. But as funny as it was to see Zacharias squirming in his seat under Nico's cold gaze, they needed to move on.

Feeling a little dry in the mouth when all heads turned to him, Harry spoke. "Okay, I think we should spread out and practice two-and-two." It was strange telling others what to do, but it was even stranger to see the same instructions being carried out immediately and without complaint. Though, Harry had the feeling that people were just being extra compliant less they risk incurring Nico's wrath. Seeing Neville standing alone, Harry walked over.

"You can train with me. Ready - on the count of three – one, two..."

"Actually, Harry," Nico interrupted, "I would like to train with Neville. I have a few things I would like to talk with him about. Besides, this way you can help the others a bit more."

Harry frowned before nodding. Ever since that Jason guy appeared during their meeting, Neville had been more nervous than usual. Not to mention, the way all colour had left his face upon seeing the older boy, leaving no doubt in Harry's mind that the Herbology prodigy had met, or at least seen him before. And Nico definitely knew Jason. And from the looks of it, things were a bit tense between the two cousins. Harry knew that it wasn't really his business and he, Hermione and Ron had stopped trying to figure out who Nico was. They was convinced he was not a Death Eater or some spy, but with a cousin suddenly appearing and buying Fire Whiskey for the two of them… well, let's just say it rekindled some of their curiosity a bit.

It was an obvious trick on Nico's part to get to talk with Neville without anyone listening in on their conversation since there would be a lot of noise and spells being fired around. And judging from the smirk on Nico's face, he knew Harry was aware of it and how it irked him. Especially since there was nothing he could do about it. So with a small glare, Harry headed towards Dean and Seamus.

Nico chuckled at Harry's sulking as he drew his wand. "Ready Neville?"

The Herbology genius gave a small nervous nod. "As ready as I'm ever going to be when facing someone who can flatten me and reduce me to a grease spot if he wants."

Nico frowned a bit at the wording but then he shrugged. "On the count of three… one… two… three!" Neville moved, but Nico was faster. "Expelliarmus!"

Neville had tried being disarmed before in Lockhart's Duelling Club in second year. However, the power difference between Justin Finch-Fletchley and Nico di Angelo made the experience very different. When it was Justin back in their second year, his wand left his hand and landed between him and Justin. Same spell, but used by Nico? Well, Neville now had a fair idea about how getting hit by a Bludger felt like, as he felt the wind getting knocked out of him and his feet leaving the ground, before landing several feet from his standing position. Groaning, he looked up to see Nico's worried face.

"Sorry Neville, are you alright?" Neville gave a nod. "Am I right in assuming that was not meant to happen?"

Neville nodded as allowed Nico to haul him to his feet. "Yeah. My guess is that you put too much energy into the spell."

Nico frowned. "So it not just about pronouncing the words right or making the right wand movement; One also has to control how much energy you put into the spell, even with combat spells?" Nico sighed. "How troublesome. Well, guess there is nothing to do but try again and again until I get it right." He chuckled a little at Neville's scared look. "Don't worry Neville. I'm going to let you catch your breath first. While you do so, I was wondering about your sensing ability. Can you sense people miles away or just people in your vicinity?"

Neville looked around, nervous about people hearing about his sensing ability, but people were too busy trying to get the spell right or dodging out of the way of stray ones to pay attention to them. Speaking in a low voice, he slumped against a bookcase, Nico right beside him

"My sensing abilities are limited in several ways. I can only sense people I've seen before, and that is only if they are powerful enough to stand out in a crowd, such as you." He looked to see Nico frowning at him, making it clear that he was still a bit confused. Neville sighed. "If you want an example: Despite having seen and known Harry for years, and despite him being one of the more powerful in our age group, I can't tell where he is standing right now without looking for him. There are too many people. If we were five in the room, and I knew them well, then, maybe, just maybe, I would be able to tell where Harry was." He turned to look at Nico again. "You understand now? It was only because I have seen you and Jason that I could sense Jason; and because you and Jason are so much more powerful than us that I could sense him before he entered. But I have to see someone beforehand to, well, get a feel of their aura or raw magical power. So in theory, despite him being so much stronger, You-Know-Who could stand right behind me and I would be no the wiser if there are more than five or ten people in the room."

Nico frowned and Neville was sure the other boy was disappointed that his sensing abilities weren't better. But to his surprise, Nico nodded in thought before smiling. "I see. Well, more than enough to work with."

Neville frowned. "Aren't you disappointed that my abilities aren't better?"

Nico shook his head, a sad look entering his eyes. "No, not really. I've seen too many people die to think that way. Some of them were my comrades, some were… younger students. Admittedly, it is better now than it was just a few years ago, but that aren't the point. The survivors bemoaned how they wished they had been better at their special abilities or had other, more powerful powers." He sighed. "I know it sounds cynical, but the dead have no use of your guilt. Nor do they have any use of your regret over not being good enough. You have the powers you have; nothing more, nothing less. The dead have no use of them… the living do. So what one can do, is honing one's powers and learn to use them to the best of your ability, giving yourself an advantage in a fight." The sadness and bitterness vanished slowly as he smiled. "So… ready for another bout?"

Neville nodded, silently wondering just what kind of school Nico was from since they allowed young kids to fight in life and death battles. But after a few seconds, Neville decided that he would actually rather not know, and they took their positions once more. Twenty minutes later, and Neville still hadn't managed to disarm Nico. But at least he hadn't been blasted off his feet again. "I think you gain more from training with Harry, Nico. He is more your level… should be more of a challenge."

Nico frowned as he tossed back Neville's wand to him, taking in his crestfallen expression. The son of Hades let out a sigh. "This isn't about who is a good challenge, Neville. It is about learning the basic forms of defence before moving on to the hard stuff. Trust me; I've still a lot to learn about your way of fighting, or duelling as you call it. From what I've observed so far, your style is mostly mid- to long-range fighting. It is, from what I've seen so far, just shouting funny words and pointing a piece of wood at your opponent. The way I'm used to fighting is close range-range, getting in my enemy's face, but I can also fight mid- and long-range if the situation calls for it." He sighed, a smile spreading on his lips. "Now, tell me: What happened after I left that pub?"

Neville laughed. Yeah, Nico knew to fight from a distance alright. There was no need to tell him that. But him mentioning what happened in the Hog's Head after he left caused some funny memories to resurface.

"After you left, Ron told Hermione that he was right about the bartender selling Fire Whiskey without questions. This in turn caused Hermione to chew him out, reminding him yet again that he is a Prefect now." Neville laughed harder. "That didn't stop the Weasley twins though. They went straight to the bar and bought a glass of Fire Whiskey themselves, Lee right behind them. And since they are all of age, there was nothing Hermione or any of the Prefects could do about it. But the funniest part about it was that they all refused to buy anything for us not yet of age. When Ron demanded why not, all of them said that they didn't want to get into trouble with the Prefects."

Nico laughed loudly, causing several of the nearest students to look their way. "Not getting into trouble with the Prefects… yeah right, and I'm Santa Claus. Knowing the twins, they only did it to get a rise out of Ron. Though, it was probably a smart thing they didn't. The poor bartender would probably get into trouble if Umbridge happened to come by." He chuckled a bit before growing serious. "Any unpleasant questions about Jason?"

Neville shook his head. "No, not really. I don't think any of them suspects it was you and Jason that destroyed the Quidditch Stadium. I think Harry suspects that I've seen Jason before, but I'm not sure. He has not tried grilling me about it yet. There was a bit of talk about who he was and what he could want with you. Though, I think I heard some people wondering if he was single and if you would give them his address."

Nico snorted. They would have to compete with Reyna over Jason's affections, and he doubted they would be that eager to visit him if he told them that Jason currently lived in the Dark Forest. But it didn't surprise him that Harry suspected Neville knew about Jason; he was very observant and combined with his curious nature, it made a dangerous mix. Nico had no illusions: Sooner or later, Harry would figure out who and maybe even what Jason and he were. But the longer before that day came, the better. Harry and his friends had no place in a three-way battle royal between Camp Jupiter, Camp Half-Blood and Nico. Speaking of battle… it was time for him to take over this meeting now. Looking up, he got eye-contact with Harry and pointed at his watch. Harry looked at his own before giving a brief nod. A wolfish smirk spread across Nico's face and Neville suddenly felt nervous for what the other boy had planned.

Nico cab whistled so loudly that he wondered if they heard it in New York. But it definitely got the attention of the D.A. members as they all halted their casting and turned to look at him. Though, the Weasleys, Hermione and Harry all covered their ears and muttered stuff about shouting, old hag and summer. Nico didn't really ponder why his cab whistle would give them those associations, but it was funny nonetheless.

Once they all had gathered before him, Nico spoke. "Okay, time for me to take over this lesson. But first: I know you have a lot of questions regarding my cousin Jason… considering you have been bugging me about him for the past week or so. So to answer some of those questions: Yes, he is my cousin since he is the son of my father's little brother. He is seventeen or eighteen, I don't quite remember, and he already has a girlfriend. Yes, he bought a bottle of Fire Whiskey and we had few glasses of it. But he kept the bottle." Well, that was a blatant lie, considering it was currently hidden under one of Nico's pillows in the dormitory, but he didn't see any reason telling them that. "We had a small argument and there will probably be more if I meet him again. No, I don't know his current address and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you. He and his friends who accompanied him from the States aren't the most friendly of people, at least not right now, and they wouldn't take kindly to uninvited guests. Other questions?" No one said anything. "Good. Then let's get this show on the road."

Nico closed his eyes and a mat, like one used for karate and other martial arts, appeared between them and a bucket filled with blue powder popped up at Nico's feet.

Harry and the other who had been raised by Muggles took one look at the mat, Nico taking off his shoes and loosening his shirt, and they all connected the dots and they just had one thought: Oh boy. The half-bloods made the connection a bit slower, but the pure-bloods remained clueless. Ron decided to ask for all of them.

"Eh, Nico, mate, what are you doing?"

Nico cracked his neck, then his fingers and spoke in a nonchalant voice. "Making preparations for what I'm here for: Teach you guys how to fight. But unlike Harry, I will teach you how to fight without your wands."

Ernie Macmillan frowned. "But we are wizards. Why would we want to learn to fight without wands?"

Nico sighed, aggravated. "Because you are too dependent on your wands. If you misplace, forget or lose your wand, you are helpless; especially during battle. Some of you are probably thinking: 'But we won't be without or lose our wands'. Yeah, just like the heroes that never runs out of bullets. There is just one minor, but pretty important detail: The heroes who never run out of bullets are fiction; this is real life. And in real life, you will run out of bullets if you don't get more from the armoury or steal some from the enemy. Or, a better example would be that in real life, chances are you will be without your wand for one reason or another. Anyways, the point is, if you get disarmed, have your wand snapped during a fight or the enemy manages to close the distance between you, you are sitting ducks… unless you can get your wand back, or take the wand of your opponent or knows how to defend yourself properly in hand-to-hand combat."

He knelt down and started putting the blue powder in his face until it was completely blue. Once finished, he gave them all a pointed look. "The first one of you who as much as thinks of calling me a smurf will be volunteering as the first living picture. We don't have much time, so we won't be doing much training today. Instead, I will teach you a few basic rules, or lessons, you can use in a fight, be it with or without a wand. But first, let's practise without a wand." He walked onto the mat, stopping at the middle. "Any volunteers?"

Ron frowned. "No offence mate, but I don't see how you can give us tips on Muggle fighting. It is pretty straight forward: Beat the other to a pulp. Brute strength and weight is the only thing that matters; ask Goyle and Crabbe."

Nico chuckled. "Really? Well then Ron, why don't you come up here and prove your claim? You are both taller and heavier than me; taking me down should be easy." He smirked when he saw Ron going pale. "Or are you a chicken?" The pale face got some red back in it. No Weasley wanted to be made fun of. Just one more push. "Tell you what: If you can touch my face, without the use of your wand, removing some of the blue colour, I will do your Transfiguration homework next week."

Ron did a double take. He didn't need to look at Hermione to know that she was giving him and Nico dirty looks. Though, he didn't know who she was most mad at: Nico for baiting him with an offer that was too sweet to refuse, or him taking it. Still… a coin has two sides. "And if I can't?"

Nico shrugged. "Then you do your homework yourself."

Ron looked perplexed as he loosened his shirt and took off his shoes and watch. "So you are saying that if I can remove a bit of the paint from your face, you will do my Transfiguration homework for me next week." A nod. "And if I can't, I don't have to anything for you." Another nod and Ron was suddenly smirking "Nico, mate," he gave Harry his wand for safekeeping. "Prepare to do my homework. You are going down."

With that Ron walked onto the mat and took position in front of Nico. The son of Hades smiled. "Whenever you are ready… as long as it is tonight, that is."

Nico didn't need to say that twice. Ron lunged, arms outstretched, eager to just wiping the blue paint off. Nico, on the other hand, had no intention of doing Ron's homework. He calmly swatted both of Ron's outstretched hands away. Then he almost danced past Ron by simply turning on his heel, like a bullfighter dodging an angry… well, bull. Just with the added fact that Nico cuffed Ron upside the head once he was behind him. After rubbing his head and glaring at him, Ron charged again. Nico waited till the right moment: Then he grabbed the redhead's arm with his left, pivoted on his feet and smacked the back of Ron's head again.

"Ron, you do realize that at this rate you will never hit me, right?"

Ron growled. Then he attacked. But this time, he aimed his punch right for Nico's face. But Nico moved faster. One more, he pivoted around Ron. But this time, once he was more or less behind the redhead, he delivered a quick kick to the hollow of Ron's right knee. It was not hard, barely a marking, but it was enough to make Ron buckle. But before his knees hit the mat, Nico gave him a light shove-push between the shoulder blades, causing his redheaded roomie to fall flat on his face.

Nico looked down at his redheaded friend. "Lie still for a moment; give your body time to get over the shock." He got down and started massaging the offended joint. "You did the right thing in the end: You came at me for real. But your anger clouded your judgement, and you didn't learn the lesson the first time." He looked up at the others once he was sure Ron was fine. "Rule number one, aside for keeping calm: Don't let your enemy get behind you. Especially not more than once. You might be lucky the first time, and perhaps even the second time, but sooner or later, your luck will run out." He looked down on Ron. "We okay?" The redhead gave a nod and Nico smiled before his dark eyes searched the students before settling on his next victim… eh, sparring partner. "Harry, you are up next."

Harry swallowed, but got ready nonetheless. Once Ron was by his side, he handed over his wand and whispered. "Ron, are you okay?"

His friend grunted. "Yeah, I'm fine. My pride is hurt more than my body." He glanced at Nico. "But if you want a piece of advice: Watch out for those quick feet of his."

Harry gave him a searching look. "So you aren't mad at him?"

Ron shook his head and replied in low voice. "Nah, we are good. I'm only mad at myself for not keeping my mouth shut and taking such obvious bait." He chuckled. "Hermione is never going to let me live it down though. But if I was going to get beat in front of a lot of people, I'm glad it was him. He got skill, no doubt about that."

Harry nodded and got on the mat, feeling ready to get his butt kicked. Nico nodded in acknowledgement. "If you can push me out of the ring on the mat, you win."

Harry nodded, having noticed the white circle on the red mat. He attacked Nico with fast jabs. Hey, be Dudley's boxing bag for a few years, and you pick up a few tricks. Nico was parrying and dodging each strike, but he was backing up. That was when it happened. One of Harry's blows got through Nico's defences and hit his shoulder, causing the taller boy to stumble backwards. One more push, and he would be out of the ring. But Harry couldn't reach him with his arms and he didn't want Nico to regain his footing. So he did the only logical thing he could think of: He aimed a kick at Nico.

'Gotcha!' Afterwards, Harry would ask himself: 'Yeah, Potter, right. What the Hell were you thinking? Oh yeah, that is right: You weren't.'

As fast as a snake, Nico caught Harry's foot, making the Boy-Who-Lived fighting to keep his balance on his left foot. Harry glanced at Nico's smirking mug before he hit the mat as Nico removed his ground connection with a quick sweep of the leg. Then he felt a foot press down on his chest as Nico stood over him, smiling.

"Rule number two: Don't go for the obvious kill… it might be a trap. Traps can be very elaborate and hard to see through. Some traps are much simpler, but can be just as deadly. So if the bait is obvious… don't take it." He looked at Harry, making sure he was okay, before calling out. "Fred, George, Lee: You are next. No wands."

Murmuring broke out among the students. Sure, Nico was good at Muggle fist fighting, but the three seventh years were all bigger than him. And when they surrounded Nico, most were sure he was biting over more than he could chew. But when he flipped Lee over his shoulder, despite the older boy attacking from behind, they weren't so sure. But they were even more surprised when two bookcases suddenly tilted behind Nico, effectively blocking access to his back. Nico smiled as he backed further into the corner the bookcases formed. And suddenly it wasn't three-to-one, but one-on-one.

"Rule number three: Never fight on the terms of your enemy. Use everything in your surroundings to your advantage. A tree, tables, chairs... anything. And if you are outnumbered, find or create some place where numbers won't matter. A chokepoint or a bottleneck… whatever floats your boat. Given the right circumstances, one man can, in theory, keep a hundred men at bay. As you can see, only Fred can attack me right now, evening the odds quite a bit. Thank you Fred, George, Lee. You can step down now." He looked at his watch as he had the shadows put back the bookcases. If his estimation was right, they would have ten minutes to train in, once his demonstration was done. More than enough time then. His eyes landed on Neville. "Neville… you are up next. Let's see if you can beat me."

Neville gulped. Hadn't Nico embarrassed him enough for tonight? But then again, he had already made a mockery of Harry, Ron, the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan; not the worst guys to be compared to. Neville took a deep breath as he stepped up on the mat, getting ready for a whooping.

Nico smiled. "Whenever you are ready, Neville."

Neville gave a tight nod. And then he did something incredible brave and stupid. He pulled out his wand and shouted the first spell that came to mind. "Expelliarmus!"

A jet of red light flew from Neville's wand and it hit Nico right in the chest, sending him flying off the mattress and onto the hard floor with a thump. Silence reigned for a few seconds, but then laughter filled the room. And it was coming from the very person who had just gotten blasted off his feet.

"Well done, Neville, well done. Seems like I will be doing your Transfiguration homework next week." He sat up, looking in mirror that just appeared, causing him to frown. "On second thought, no I don't. You haven't removed any of the paint. But it's still your victory."

Terry Boot frowned. "What? But that makes no sense. Neville used a wand to beat you. In other words, he cheated."

Nico laughed. "Because he showed the next two rules better than I could ever hope for. Rule number four: Never underestimate your enemy, be it in terms of powers, numbers or the lengths he will go to get to you. And rule number five: Don't fight fair. Your enemy isn't likely to follow the rules or fight fair, so you shouldn't do him the favour of doing it yourself. Besides, I never said he wasn't allowed to use his wand in our little demonstration"

Nico stood and closed his eyes, causing the entire room to ripple as several mats appeared along with a stop watch. "Now that this little demonstration is over, it is time for you to practice those five rules in pairs. For the next five minutes, you will spar with each other. Your objective is simple: Make sure your partner goes down for five seconds more times than you do. Everything goes: Hits, kicks, tickling, wedgies, pulling hair, targeting of the groin, groping etc. Wands are allowed too, but it will cost you five push-ups for every spell you use. When time runs out, I will have a reward for the winners and a punishment for the losers. All ready?" A lot of people looked mutinous, but apparently the promise of reward had them all nodding and teaming up on the mats. Once everyone was in position, Nico gave a nod and started the watch. "Begin."

The room was instantly filled with noise and yelling as they began battling each other, trying to get their opponent down. But at least no one had drawn their wands. Nico turned his head when he felt someone tapping his shoulder. "What is it, Neville?"

Neville took a steadying breath. "Shouldn't I be, you know, be sparring right now?"

Nico shrugged. "If you want. Your prize for beating me is being able to relax the rest of this meeting, but if you want to spar, I'm game."

Neville mulled it in his head a few times. He wanted to practise, but he also knew that he would be very sore tomorrow if he did. "I think I would like to relax then. But I would like to spar someday… if you still want to, that is."

Nico nodded, a smile on his lips. "Sure thing Neville."

Neville smiled, a real smile. "Do you really have a reward for all the winners?"

Nico nodded, a sly smirk appearing on his face. "Sure do. They only have to do ten push-ups plus the five for every spell they used."

The Herbology genius frowned. "How is that a reward?"

Nico chuckled. "Because the punishment for those who loses will be twenty push-ups… plus their spells."

Neville gave the Transfiguration prodigy a disbelieving look. "People aren't going to be happy with that. It isn't exactly their version of fairness and fun."

Nico shrugged, but Neville did notice the darkening of his eyes. "Life is seldomly fair, Neville. They better get used to it. Also, who ever said training had to be fun? It's their choice if they want to do what I say during these sessions. But I say it is better to be sore and bitter over the training being gruelling and unfair than being a corpse." He sighed. "Sorry Neville, that was uncalled for. I just have a lot on my mind at the moment. Guess the stress is finally catching up with me."

Neville nodded, silently accepting the apology, but he couldn't stop the shivering going down his spine. Nico might be his friend, but the way he so easily referred to death still unnerved him. But considering what he had seen him do and heard him say earlier the evening, Neville knew that Nico was no stranger to battle and death. But he could relate to life not being fair… all too well. He considered telling Nico about his parents, but reconsidered it. He didn't want to trouble his friend with that. Not when it seemed Nico had more than enough to deal with on his platter.

The five minutes went by fast and as Neville predicted, none of them were happy about the prize or punishment. However, they all dropped down and started their push-ups; the Gryffindors with no complaints, the Hufflepuffs did complain a little but did it anyways. The Ravenclaws, however, glared but once Cho Chang, Padma Patil and some girl named Luna Lovegood started doing their push-ups, the rest followed. Once they were done, Harry spoke.

"Okay everyone, that was brilliant, but we have to get out of here if we don't want to get caught after curfew. Same time next week?"

"Rather before." Dean said eagerly, and several nodded their agreement. Though, a few gave Nico some weary and dirty looks.

But Angelina spoke up. "Hold on. What about the Quidditch season? It starts the moment the repairs on the stadium are done, and we need to train."

"We will say Wednesday evening," Harry said, wondering why Neville was shooting Nico nervous glances and why Nico's lips twitched a little. "And plan lessons from there. Now, we really need to get out of here."

With that he started letting out people in small groups of three or four, keeping an eye on them on the Marauder's Map when someone spoke over his shoulder. "That is one fancy map you've got there, Harry."

Harry almost dropped the map, but looked back to see Nico eyeing the map with curious eyes. Now that the other boy had seen it, Harry guessed there was no point in trying to hide it anymore. "Yeah, it shows all of Hogwarts and its grounds, and where everyone is. That was also how we knew that Jason and the others came to Hogwarts that night, but before I could explain it to you, you were gone." Harry suddenly had a strange revelation. Could Nico have gone to fight Jason that night, destroying the Quidditch Stadium in the process? His suspicion was more or less confirmed when a calculating look entered the black eyes of his friend. "Nico, do you want me to alert you if your cousin shows up again?"

Nico shot him a surprised look before smiling. "You know, that would be nice. Thanks Harry."

Harry nodded and turned to look at Ron and Hermione. "Ready to go?"

Hermione smiled. "Yes. I think tonight's meeting went very well you two." She shot Nico a small nervous smile. "I think we were right in making you co-leader. I think people liked your part of the meeting, even if they weren't all too happy about the rewards"

Nico just shrugged. Personally, he could care less if people liked his lesson. But he was glad to hear that they didn't think they were wrong in making him co-leader of their little association. But before he could reply, Ron spoke.

"Yeah, this meeting was awesome. Did you guys see me disarm Hermione?" Then he winced. "But Nico, mate, did you have to permit kicks in the groin?"

Nico looked at Ron, then Hermione who had gotten a tad pink in the cheeks, then back at Ron before he started laughing. "Wait… Hermione… did you?"

Hermione turned scarlet. "He… he groped me on my butt!"

Nico laughed even harder and turned out the argument between the two friends. Harry, on the other hand, was looking at Nico with slightly scared eyes. If he was correct in his suspicion, two, or a small group of teenagers, had wrecked the Quidditch Stadium. He briefly considered telling it to his two friends, once they were alone that is, but decided against it. Who would believe him? He had no proof. Besides, it didn't really matter. Nico was his friend now. And if it could help him, and the rest of Hogwarts and her students, Harry was going to keep an eye on the Marauder's Map for any sign of trouble coming their way.

00000

Nico was lounging in the grass near the Black Lake, enjoying the October sun alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione. Well, he was lounging. The two boys and Hermione were doing their Transfiguration homework. Ah okay, Harry and Ron were doing their homework while Hermione sat reading a book while a pair of socks knitted themselves.

The son of Hades was, despite what people might think of him right now, feeling restless. The search team from Camp Half-Blood was getting closer, he knew it. But they were also getting sloppy. Either that, or Festus had crash-landed for some reason or another.

It had been all over the Daily Prophet, even putting their smearing campaign against Harry and Dumbledore on hold. The headline was something along the lines of: Dragon near Edinburgh. Funny thing was that no one had seen a dragon. What they had seen however, were the footprints of a dragon in the sand on a beach north-east of the city. That wasn't what clued Nico in on the searchers from Camp Half-Blood getting closer however. It was the fact that the authorities had found several footprints from humans and what appeared to be being a goat or a donkey moving calmly away from the scene, something that baffled them to no end. There was no sign of battle or of the dragon snatching the unfortunate souls before moving on. Another thing that puzzled the investigators sent by the Ministry was how smooth the dragon footprints were. Usually, a dragon footprint would be raw because of the hide, or the claws would be damaged or uneven in length. These were smooth and even in length.

The news had spread among the student population, but none of them seemed overly concerned about it. Most of the older students seemed to believe it was a trick by one group or another while the younger students believed it to be an elaborate trick, despite how 'perfect' the prints were . Nico couldn't really fault their logic; they had never seen Festus or another dragon automaton. But Nico had, and the numbers of footprints found near the one of the dragon's indicated the numbers of the ones send to 'rescue' him.

His friends stopped talking and a shadow fell over him, blocking out the sun he was enjoying. Opening his eyes slightly, he looked up at Malfoy's sneering face. "Hello Malfoy. What do I owe the displeasure of your visit? And could you please move? You are blocking the sun."

The son of Hades closed his eyes again and waited for the Slytherin to speak and move. When neither happened, he spoke with just a tad of ice in his voice. "Listen Malfoy, you are really trying my patience here. And I'm not very patient to begin with. So say what you want to say and get lost."

Draco snarled. "Careful di Angelo, or I might have to give you a detention."

Nico opened his eyes again, giving him an unimpressed look. "For what?"

Draco glared, a smirk pulling at his lips. "For disrespecting and threatening a Prefect."

Nico chuckled and slowly got to his feet, his three friends following suit, ignoring the crowd that seemed to be gathering around them. "You are a slow learner, aren't you, Malfoy? You have tried intimidating me several times by now; usually when I'm on my own. Last time, you even drew your wand at me and I warned you that even Buddha gets mad if you hit him three times and last time was your second. If you want to give me detention, go right ahead. We both know that if you had the guts for it, you would have found some ridiculous excuse a long time ago. Face it Draco: You don't have the guts to give me a detention, much less fight me. And take a look around you: There are no teachers around. So if you want to curse me for scaring you, you might as well take your shot now."

Much to his surprise, Draco actually drew his wand and jabbed it in Harry's direction. "Silencio!" Hermione and Ron moved for their wands, but Crabbe and Goyle pointed their wands at them and moved so they stood in between the Golden Trio and Nico and Draco. The Malfoy heir chuckled and pointed his wand at Nico whose eyes had narrowed as he looked between his Gryffindor friends, the two bulky Slytherin boys and the Prefect. "You are right in being worried, di Angelo. I've seen through you now. You might control black fire, but you wouldn't dare use it against a human. In other words, you are all talk, but no bite."

Nico gave him a long look, eyes hardening. "That was your last warning, Malfoy. I don't care if you threaten me, but threatening my friends was a big mistake. But it seems I misjudged you: You have a lot of guts. Either that or perhaps you are just stupid. But if you really want to fight, take off your little badge there so we duel on equal terms. Or are you the one who is all bark and no bite?"

Draco's face went red in anger. "You are not my equal, you filthy half-blood. Serpensortia Rexes!"

Three snakes were shot from the tip of Malfoy's wand. One, the largest of them, was a nine metres long anaconda. The second was a three metres long black mamba and the third was a beautiful small snake, a little over one metre, called a blue krait. All three snakes were hissing at Nico who had drawn his own wand.

The son of Hades gave each snake a calculating look. "Serpensortia Rexes… the snake kings. The anaconda of South America; the black mamba of Africa, and, last but definitely not least, a blue krait of Asia. Not bad Draco, not bad at all." He turned to Hermione. "I don't suppose you know a spell that can conjure up a couple of lions or the Ravenclaws know a spell to summon eagles?"

Hermione shook her head, a frightened look on her face. "No, but Nico, watch out! The black mamba and blue krait are among the world's most venomous snakes!"

Draco smirked. "The Mudblood is right, di Angelo. It would the smartest move if you surrender and admit your inferiority to me right now. The snakes get harder to control as time passes, you know."

Nico just gave him a deadpan look as he pocketed his wand. "I won't even need my wand to beat you, much less Black Hellfire. As for admitting my inferiority to you: Sorry, but I must not tell lies."

Draco stared at Nico for a full minute. The condescending look di Angelo was giving him did not waver. It was infuriating! He was the heir to one of the most powerful wizard families of Britain, and yet the American was looking at him like he wasn't even worth his time! It was an insult!

'Well,' Draco thought 'let's see what he says when those three are bearing down on him.' He pointed his wand at Nico and ignored the yells and screams from the Mudblood and blood traitor. "Get him!"

The serpents struck with unbelievable speed and soon the anaconda had wrapped itself around Nico so that only his mouth and eyes were free; eyes that were still giving him the same condescending look. Draco's eyes widened as the poisonous snakes attacked. He had only meant to scare di Angelo into submission, not kill him!

Everything seemed to blur. The crowd was a pandemonium. Hermione's screams, Ron's yelling and Harry kicking and hitting at the two bigger Slytherin boys; he had yet to learn to non-verbal spells and the Silencing Charm had yet to wear off. He was helpless!

"Serpents! Hear me and obey. Cease your attacks and unleash me."

Harry's eyes widened and he forgot all about trying to get past Crabbe and Goyle who looked just as shocked. Ron's mouth was hanging open and his eyes were as wide as saucers. Hermione had stopped screaming and were staring wide-eyed at the serpents that had halted their attacks.

"No… it's impossible." Draco Malfoy had gone deadly white, and his whisper belied his fear

"Serpents… obey me. Unleash me."

Harry was shocked to his core. He might be temporarily mute, but his hearing was intact. There was no mistaking it. Nico had spoken in Parseltongue. And unlike Harry who only had spoken it thrice, two times without even realizing it, Nico seemed to know exactly what he was saying. His voice held so much authority that Harry briefly wondered if Nico could be a son of Voldemort, but then he felt like bashing his head. He was their age, and Harry was pretty sure Dumbledore would know if Voldemort had a teenage son. Not to mention, Voldemort wasn't the kind of guy who would want to settle down and get a family.

"Unleash me and heed my commands."

The anaconda released its vice-like grip so that Nico could move, but it stayed coiled around him, and the two venomous snakes coiled themselves around Nico's feet. The son of Hades chuckled as he petted the anaconda and looked at Draco who, if possible, was paler than a ghost.

Nico chuckled. "That was fun, Malfoy. I take it is my turn now?" He glanced at Crabbe and Goyle who looked absolutely dumbfounded. "Let's see. Three Slytherins… three snakes. How fitting. Serpents… scare them away. No deadly force."

Draco had no smart remark, nor did he hang around to continue their duel. Instead, he bolted for the castle the moment Nico switched to Parseltongue. And seeing their ringleader running, Crabbe and Goyle followed right in his heels. But on his way, he heard the laughter of the student crowd and the calls of:

"Yeah, run you slimy weasel!" and "Scaredy-cat!", "Chicken!" and perhaps worst of all: "Loser! You attacked with numbers and still got your ass whooped"' ringing in his head all the way down to the Slytherin common room.

But once he was far away from Nico di Angelo, his feeling of humiliation turned to anger. Nico di Angelo had made a fool out of him! He had made him lose face in front of so many people! He would have to pay. And Draco had an idea how to get even. It was simple and brilliant. And if his plan worked, di Angelo would be reduced to a crying mess in front of everyone. But first, he would need to inform his father about this newest revelation

00000

"Mr di Angelo. A word please."

Nico sighed but gave a nod to the Transfiguration teacher before turning to his friends. "I will be okay guys. See you later." The trio gave him some doubtful looks before closing the doors. Shouldering his bag, the son of Hades stopped in front of the professor's desk. "Professor McGonagall, did I do something wrong? Or is this about what went down by the lake three days ago?"

Minerva's lips thinned. She, like the rest of the staff was well aware that there had been a showdown between the young Malfoy heir and their newest student, though the details of what exactly went down were a bit unclear. They had, however, heard the rumours going on about Nico, the second Parselmouth to walk Hogwarts within the decade. It was the Chamber of Secrets all over again, minus the attacks by some mysterious beast. The worst rumour she had heard thus far was Nico being He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's great-grandson, or some nonsense like that, who had come to take revenge on Harry Potter for causing the Dark Lord's downfall. The staff had already looked into it; especially those who were members of the Order. None of them had found anything that would even suggest di Angelo being related to Voldemort. Still, they were concerned about this new revelation. Especially since, according to Severus, Voldemort had taken an interest in their transfer student. No doubt Draco had mailed his father about Nico being a Parselmouth, who in turn had told the Dark Lord, causing the dark wizard's curiosity about di Angelo to go up a notch or two.

The Transfiguration teacher sighed. "No Mr di Angelo, it is not. Unless of course you want to give your version of what happened that afternoon?" Nico shook his head. "Very well then." Her gaze softened a bit. "How are you taking all of this? I'm not sure if Harry has told you this, but a few years ago, the school was in uproar because one of the students was discovered to be a Parselmouth. Said student was ostracized by most of the student populace and suspected for being the one behind some heinous attacks."

Nico shrugged. "I'm used to being the odd one, Professor. I have heard some rumours among the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs about me being a dark wizard and that will keep a close eye on me; nothing I'm not used to. The Slytherins are being quiet for the most part, but I've seen their incredulous stares." He chuckled a bit. "Nothing seems to have changed in Gryffindor, or at least not for my year mates and a couple of the older students. My dorm mates and Fred and George are still trying to get me to eat diverse types of candy, I still study with Hermione and help Neville and others with their Transfiguration homework." He sighed. "Most of the younger students are confused and don't know where to stand. They don't want to believe that I'm a dark wizard, but they don't want to go against what their friends and siblings are telling them either. It is only natural, and I don't hold it against them. As I said, it isn't anything I'm not used to. But thank you for your concern, Professor."

Professor McGonagall nodded. She did not like that one of her students apparently was used to being ostracized by others, or that he was perfectly calm with the rumours going on about him. It was not normal teenage behaviour "I see. Well Mr di Angelo, I think I've said it before, but if anything is bothering you, my door is always open."

Nico nodded. "Thank you Professor. But I could understand that there was something else?"

McGonagall smiled. "You are most welcome Nico." Then she turned more serious, a frown on her face. "Yes, Mr di Angelo. What I wanted to talk to you about is not something that happened here on Hogwarts, but in Edinburgh this past Saturday: A former teacher and friend of the staff was attacked. His attackers called themselves the Hunters of Artemis and used bows and arrows." She quickly took in the slight narrowing of the boy's eyes and tensing of his body, even if it was only for a second. "Judging from your reaction, I take it you know them. They were asking about you and Hogwarts. They even went as far as to shoot him with an arrow when they captured him, but he was able to escape them, and he did not tell them your location." She looked him into eyes. "Mr di Angelo, what do you know about these Hunters of Artemis? Is there something about them we should know?"

Nico's mind was running a hundred miles an hour. If the Hunters had been in Edinburgh, chances were they had met up with the search team from Camp Half-Blood. And knowing them and their speed, and the distance Festus would be able to cover, it was only a question of when they would find Hogwarts. Forget dinner. Nico suddenly had far more pressing matters. But one look told him that he was not leaving the classroom before the teacher got some answers. He sighed.

"The Hunters of Artemis is a girl gang filled with young witches who have sworn off boys. Some of them join because of a bad experience with boys, some join because they don't feel they belong and others join because they are tempted by the offer of sisterhood, adventure and power." Nico sighed, but when he spoke, Minerva could hear the anger bubbling beneath the surface. "Make no mistake about them Professor. They follow the old ways of magical fighting like I do, and if they come, they come in numbers, thirty strong or more. I don't know exactly why they are in Britain, but they and I don't see eye to eye. Pray that they don't come here, because it might end in a fight." He sighed yet again, an unreadable look entering his eyes. "Whenever you speak with this Remus Lupin again, please tell him that he has my respect and gratitude. I know it doesn't really measure up to the favour he has done me, but please tell him that I'm willing to pay for his medical bills and whatever treatment necessary."

McGonagall had narrowed her eyes slightly during the whole explanation. Di Angelo was clearly leaving something out and not being entirely truthful about these Hunters of Artemis, but he had revealed their numbers and their motivation for joining the gang. Not to mention their fighting style, though Remus had explained that part to them. "Very well Mr di Angelo, we will keep that in mind. You may go to dinner."

Nico nodded. "Thank you Professor McGonagall."

But he definitely didn't go for dinner. He headed straight up to his forge, mulling over all of the information he had just learned. With both the Hunters and Camp Half-Blood's search party this close, he would need to hurry up with completing his weapon. Problem was that whether he chose to merge the metal piece formed like a gourd or the two small blades, the process for each would take four weeks.

The process was, in theory, simple. He would merge the plate and two blades to his bo-staff and like Jason's Ivlivs, he would have multiple weapons concealed in one. But if the magic worked the way it should, unlike with Ivlivs, Nico would be able to choose what weapon would emerge at will as the spell he was about to perform would create a link between him and the weapon, giving him complete control over it. And together with the weight reducing charms he had found, he would be able to wield the weapons with speed comparable to that of a sword. Speaking of sword: Nico walked over to the forge and picked up a classical leaf formed Greek sword that like the other pieces of metal were made purely of Stygian Iron. It was about seventy-five centimetres long and had been forged from the spare Stygian Iron when he made the other blades and the metal plate. On one side of the blade was the rune for shadow engraved and on the other was blaze.

The son of Hades examined the blade a little, then he channelled a bit of his power through it. Instantly, the blade was coated in Hellfire, the same black fire that he had used to engrave the two runes. The Black Hellfire definitely gave him a clear advantage in a fight, but he knew the sword wouldn't really be helpful against the Hunters. True, the sword had offensive power, but against the Hunters he would need defensive power as well. And considering he had never wielded a shield, one was only going to hinder him. And like Percy, he preferred fighting without armour, preferring the speed over the power and protection.

He looked over at the two smaller, slightly curved, blades that each were forty centimetres long. Like his new sword, they too could be coated in Black Hellfire and would, once the process was complete, be able to penetrate any defence. The weapon they would become a part of went well with his necromantic powers, but it offered little defensive power.

He looked at the large piece of metal. It was large enough to cover his torso and would, once complete, have a handle large enough to be wielded by both hands if necessary. And with the weight reducing charm and the link, Nico would also be able to use it with just one hand. It had sharp edges but it could not be coated with Hellfire, and yet it would be his Dark Pyrokinesis it would enhance. It had two runes engraved in it: Dark and Wind. It provided great offensive and defensive power… just what Nico needed right now.

'All those hours in the library and Ancient Runes classes are definitely paying off now.' Nico mused as he took the metal piece and bo-staff. Then he put the metal piece on the ground a smear of his blood on it, walked five metres to the right where he put down the bo-staff, also smearing some of his blood on it, before walking away till he was five metres from either pieces. 'The moment of truth I suppose: Time to see if my calculations and homemade incantation is worth anything.'

That thought firmly in mind, he drew blood from his thumbs once more and brought his hands together, palm against palm. The air shimmered and the room hummed from the sudden burst of released power as the son of Hades started chanting.

"River of Fire, I summon your blazes to me. Heat the metals and make them compatible for the merge." An explosion of fire engulfed the two pieces and a bright bridge of flames erupted from circles around the two part. Nico continued. "Spirits that has passed, spirits that are and spirits that will come to be: Work the metal gently with your magic for the two fortnights to come and bind it to me." A ghostly grey smoke enveloped the arch of fire. Nico had sweat running down his face and he could feel his shirt cling to his back, but he forged on with the last part. "River of Hate, I call upon your unbreakable will. Imbue the metal with your cold hatred by the end of the second fortnight!" A small lake of dark water exploded beneath the bridge and kept spreading until it reached where the two parts were engulfed in the roaring flames.

Nico fell to his knees, utterly exhausted. The sight before him was something to behold indeed. All he could do for the next four weeks was to wait and see if his hard work and research would bear fruit. But considering that he wasn't death and hadn't blown the room apart, Nico would say he was successful and was confident it would work. He glanced down at the sword lying beside him.

His all of his custom-made primary weapons would have one major weakness; a weakness that had him cursing his own stupidity and motivated him to make the sword: They would be unhandy while fighting in close quarters like a narrow corridor, a winding staircase or if he fought side-by-side with allies. Nico sighed as he picked up the sword and started walking towards the exit. Right before opening the door to the seventh floor, he stored his new sword in a cupboard were it would be easy for him to collect, should it be necessary. He work on ways to hide it later, but now he would catch some dinner. That thought in mind, he walked out and closed the door, trusting the Room of Requirement to keep his little secret.

00000

He smiled: He was finally ready. It was late October and after three weeks of planning, observing and searching, he was ready for his revenge. It was time to get even with di Angelo. His plan had only one weakness: If people were to butt in. But it was a risk he was willing to take if it meant humiliating Nico di Angelo in front of the entire school. And with luck, they too would be too scared to act. And speaking of the devil: There he was, walking together with the other fifth year Gryffindorks, Mudblood and blood traitor alike. He smirked. 'Time to strike back.'

"Oi, di Angelo! I want to talk with you."

Nico turned his head in surprise, but it turned to mild annoyance when he identified the speaker. "Malfoy. What do you want now? Please make it quick and then slither back to whatever hole you came from, I'm kinda hungry and would like to go to dinner."

Draco glared for a few seconds, but then controlled himself. It would simply not do to lose his composure at the petty insult. A crowd was starting to gather in the courtyard; good, more people to witness the humiliation of di Angelo.

"I want to humiliate you in public, just like you did me. Once I'm done with you, you will be a crying mess in front of everybody."

Nico cocked an eyebrow in the same kind of manner like the school's Potion Master. Was this kid for real? Hadn't he already humiliated the Malfoy heir enough? He quickly glanced around. Sure, he saw some Slytherin insignia on cloaks and shirts here and there, but none of Draco's usual cohorts. The other Gryffindor fifth year boys stood right behind him alongside Hermione, Lavender and Parvati who looked just as surprised and wary as he felt. Still, Nico had to admit, he was curious about what Malfoy was up to since he apparently didn't bring reinforcements.

"I take back what I said last time: You don't have guts, you are just stupid. Last time, Malfoy, you went on the offence with friends and got beat. This time, you are on your own and seem to think the result will change. I'm sure there is some trick behind all of this, but I will bite. Let's have a fight, Malfoy… however short it may be."

Malfoy smirked. The fight would indeed be short. As people backed away to give them room, he quickly reached into his cloak and pulled out… three matchboxes that he tossed so they were in between Nico and himself. The transfer student raised the other eyebrow, causing Malfoy's smirk to widen. Before anyone could do anything, Draco drew his wand and with a single wave, ripped off the lids of the matchboxes. The effect came instantly, but it was not what Draco had hoped for.

Instead of raging and roaring monsters with foam at their mouths, a couple of girls and a boy rose from the matchboxes. The first girl was obviously a ghost. She wore a green cap sideways on her thick black hair. She wore jeans and a silvery jacket, and her skin was olive. The girl's eyes were as dark as Nico's, and they were staring at him with contempt.

The other girl had a destroyed body, causing several people around them to scream in shock. Her arms and legs stuck out in weird angles, clearly broken in several places, and two trails of blood ran from the corners of her mouth, marring her otherwise beautiful face. Dust and blood had matted her curly golden-brown hair and her golden eyes were glaring at Nico with anger and hatred.

The last one, much to the shock of Harry, and probably everyone in the courtyard, was Nico. Though a very different Nico. Instead of wizard robes, this Nico wore a long and broad black cloak and what Harry thought was an ancient Greek cuirass. But it was the most gruesome breastplate the Boy-Who-Lived had ever seen. It was made of black leather, but instead of displaying a man torso like one saw in movies and documentaries, what appeared to be silver formed a human ribcage. He wore a couple of black military pants, combat boots and what appeared to be greaves of silver. Around his pale and muscular arms, two bracelets of gold ringed his wrist. The one on his right seemed to have the motive of a helmet engraved in it, while the one on his left had a ring of black onyx and obsidian inlaid in it that formed a word, or words, that Harry couldn't decipher.

The other Nico had long dark hair gathered in a regal style of ponytail and a wreath of highly polished bronze resembling human bones circling his brow. The wreath, or crown, had two large red rubies and one black diamond that was darker than the darkest winter night. The two rubies flanked the diamond and had a black symbol of fire in them while a glowing red infinity symbol could be seen in the diamond. But the most unsettling, in Harry's opinion, was the eyes. They weren't the usual dark orbs that could hold so many emotions and look right through you; they were blood-red and shining with madness and malice that, combined with cold and cruel smirk on his lips, made this Nico seem far more powerful, not to mention dangerous and evil, than the Nico right before him.

His thoughts were interrupted when Hermione grabbed his arm and spoke frantically. "Boggarts! Malfoy brought three Boggarts and released them all against Nico. We have to help him!"

Harry nodded and started to move forward when the girl with green cap spoke, her voice cold and unfeeling as ice. "You were never loved, Nico. Father tried to save mother and me, but not you. Mother never loved you, father never loved you. I never loved you. That is why I joined the Hunters: To be free from you. I wish you were dead. I hated you in life, but had to pretend to be the loving sister when I hated you with all of my heart. I never loved you, how could I? No one could ever love you."

Nico had gone deadly white and his eyes were wide open. "Bi-Bianca? Why… please… don't…"

The other girl spoke up, her voice hoarse, but it cut eerily easy through the silence that had fallen over the courtyard as everyone, even the ever courageous Gryffindors were listening in shock. "You broke your promise, big brother. You promised you would keep me safe. You promised that I would be safe and happy and that you would die for me." She turned into a ghost. "Instead, I died. It should have been you. You said you would die for me! It should have been you! You should have died! You should have died, not me, you! Why did you insist on trying to keep them ignorant of each other! With your powers, you could have wiped out the other Camp and we could live in peace. Instead, I die! I because you could not keep you promise!"

Nico was trembling, and Hermione and Harry were shocked to see tears running down his face as he spoke in a broken whisper. "Hazel… please… this was never meant… I'm sorry… please… forgive me… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry!"

Hermione was shaking Harry's arm quite violently. "Harry, please! Snap out of it!"

But the Boy-Who-Lived felt frozen. The red eyes of Boggart-Nico seemed to be looking right at him, directing his killing intent towards anyone who dared attempting to interfere. And when he spoke, his voice was calm, as if Boggart-Nico had no care in the world and as if he found the entire situation amusing.

"Hello Nico. Long time, no see. You heard our sisters. We were never loved, so why do you even care? Why do you think the camps fear you so and want to be rid of you for good? Because they know that you are nothing but a killer and could lay waste to them if you so desired."

Nico turned his gaze towards his mirror-self, his face contorting as it was split between grief and anger. "NO! I'm not you! I'm not… you..."

Boggart-Nico chuckled. "But you are. Look around you." He gazed lazily at the Hogwarts students who all took a step back in fright, causing him to chuckle lightly. A chuckle that only got louder when Nico looked the same way with a panicked look. "Do you really think they are your friends? Once they find out who you are and what you can really do, they will either run away as fast as their legs can carry them or they will try to kill you in your sleep… just like before. You cling on to the hope of someday being able to unite the two camps, when the only thing you are a good at is dividing them, making them your enemies instead of friends. So come… embrace me. Embrace me and unleash your full power… call upon the elite fighting force… wipe out all who are threatening you."

Nico's voice that usually was so calm and strong, was now nothing but a trembling whisper. "No… no… they won't… I won't… I'm not… stop it."

Boggart-Nico chuckled. "You can't run from your very nature. Sooner or later, you will succumb to it. Here… allow me to show you." He waved his hand in front of his face. The skin seemed to evaporate, being replaced with a skull surrounded by blue-grey flames, but the red eyes remained. Laughing over the screams, Boggart-Nico looked right at Nico, their gazes locking. "This is your true face, Nico… the face of a demon… and you know it."

"No… please… make it stop… please…"

"You were never loved… no one could ever love you."

"It's not true… please… no…"

"You broke your promise… you promised you would keep me safe…"

"Please… no… forgive me…"

"Do you really think they are your friends?"

"Stop it… no more."

"You were never loved."

The ground beneath Nico started smoking and cracking, his powers getting out of control as he was overcome with emotion.

"NICO! DON'T LISTEN TO THEM! THEY ARE ONLY BOGGARTS!"

Hermione's scream brought Harry's mind back in the game. And looking around him, he saw that the other fifth year Gryffindor boys were also coming out of their stupor. He felt ashamed and he could tell the other boys felt that way too. Their friend needed help and yet they had only stood like moping idiots. With renewed determination, he pulled out his wand, but Dean, Seamus and Ron all beat him to the fight.

Boggart-Nico and the two Boggarts imitating Nico's sisters fell silent, before changing into a huge spider, a banshee and a disembodied hand respectively. The three boys looked at the Boggarts, then each other with grim determination, then back at the Boggarts and shouted as one.

"RIDDIKULUS!"

The spider lost its legs, the banshee lost her voice and the hand got caught in a mouse trap. The three boys forced out laughter, and the three Boggarts vanished in small puffs of smoke. Everything went silent, save for Nico's heaving breath and sobs. Then he stumbled, and Harry, Neville and Hermione surged forward and caught him. The two boys gently guided him to the ground, so he was kneeling on the ground while Hermione got down in front of him. His eyes were wide and bloodshot, tears and sweat streaming down his face before he lowered it towards the ground.

Yes, Hermione was shaken about what she had just witnessed. But right now, Nico needed their help. Malfoy, that cowardly ferret, had fled the scene the moment the ground around Nico started smoking and cracking. They would deal with him later… or hopefully more accurately; the teachers would once she reported this. Nico had asked them not to file a complaint after the whole lake duel incident and they had agreed not to do so, but not this time. This time she was reporting Draco, no matter what Nico said. But right now, Nico's wellbeing was more important.

As gently as she could, she placed a hand on Nico's cheek, slightly startled by how cold his skin was, and spoke in a soothing voice. "Shh, Nico… it's alright, they are gone now… all of them. They weren't real… shh…"

Harry frowned. The air was getting colder, and fast. But at least Nico had stopped crying, though his shaking and the black fire flickering around him had yet to die down. Harry eyes widened in panic. 'Wait, black fire? No!' He moved. "Hermione, move!"

The brunette looked up, just in time to be forcefully removed by her green-eyed friend. It was not a second too late as an explosion of dark flames erupted around Nico, singing everything in a four feet radius. If Harry hadn't grabbed her and then thrown them both to the ground, she would have been toast. Looking over Harry's shoulder, she saw Nico had risen to his feet.

"ARRRRRGHGHGH!"

All traces of angst, fear, sorrow and regret had left Nico's eyes and face. His eyes had gone the same colour as the ones of Boggart-Nico and they only displayed one thing: Absolute and utter fury. His scream hadn't been a scream of anguish: It had been a scream for blood. And Hermione had feeling just whose blood he wanted: Malfoy's. Hogwarts' motto was never to tickle a sleeping dragon. The blond Slytherin Prefect had gone beyond that with his latest stunt. He had poked the dragon in the eye, rousing the beast and its anger.

"Nico…"

Her whisper was weak, and Harry wouldn't have heard if he hadn't been covering her body with his. The courtyard was filled with the cries of terrified students, Nico's screams of rage and the yells of the older student. No one wondered where the teachers were; they were too busy getting out of the way. If Harry suspected Nico for being part of the Quidditch Stadium's destruction three weeks ago, he knew for certain now. The ground was cracking, sprouting flames in a cobweb pattern away from Nico; shadows were flying to him from every corner, from every person in the courtyard, churning so fast around the boy that it was almost like a tornado. And perhaps it was just his imagination, but for just a moment, Harry could have sworn he saw skeletal hands erupt from the ground. And, just as sudden as it had started, it stopped. And Harry didn't have to look long for the reason. The other four Gryffindor boys had all drawn their wands and so had the Weasley twins, Patil twins and Lavender, and they had all fired from different directions, somehow finding a weak link in the twirling tornado of shadow and fire, knocking Nico unconscious.

Getting on his feet, Harry pulled Hermione up and together they walked towards their unconscious friend. They, the other fifth year boys, Weasley twins, Patil twins and Lavender were the only ones to approach the prone body. Kneeling down, Harry gently turned Nico onto his back. Even unconscious, his face was filled with distress. Ron swore softly.

"Bloody Malfoy… when I get my hands on him…"

Hermione cut in. "Ron, we can't just march up to Malfoy and beat him to a pulp or hex him into oblivion, no matter how much we want to. We have to tell the teachers what caused Nico to lose control like."

"If I were Malfoy, I would be far more worried about Nico getting to him compared to us or the teachers." Harry's voice was quiet, but it reached the ears of the other fifth years and two seventh years perfectly over the murmuring and whispers of the courtyard. He looked at them, his eye serious. "We can beat and hex Malfoy all we want; Madam Pomfrey and the teachers will just undo everything we have done and give us detention. The teachers will dock points, give him detention for months or even put him on suspension." He glanced down at the unconscious boy they had gathered around. "If Nico gets his hands on him… I don't think there will be as much as a greasy spot for Filch to mop away."

Lavender looked horrified. "But if Nico kills Malfoy… he will go to Azkaban…"

Seamus let out a shaky laugh. "Then I feel sorry for Azkaban. After the power Nico just displayed… I'm starting to doubt if Azkaban can hold him if he wants to leave, Dementors be damned. I don't know if the old pureblood families such as the Malfoys believe in God… but Malfoy might start praying, because I think only an otherworldly power might be able to stop Nico from slaughtering him."

Dean nodded. "Ever since Nico appeared… I knew he was more powerful than us, but I had no idea he would be this powerful. One thing is for sure… after this little show, people both inside and outside of Hogwarts will say a lot about Nico… we need to decide if we will let Nico face it alone… or if he will have his back through and through." He took a deep breath. "When we started here, Professor McGonagall said that our houses would be like our family. But way too often, we have let petty arguments and rumours drive a wedge between us." Here Dean gave Harry, Ron, Seamus and the girls some pointed glares. "Families bicker, it can't be avoided. But when push comes to shove, they stand united. What I'm trying to say… let's prove those Boggarts wrong. Let us show Nico that he is cherished and that he can unite people. Let's face it… would we be gathered like this if it wasn't for Nico?"

No one spoke as they considered what Dean had said. Then Harry nodded. "Dean is right. It is time we stood together."

Neville nodded. "Count me in."

A round of affirmatives sounded, and Padma gave them all affronted looks when they stared at her. She let out a huff and crossed her arms. "What? Is this only for Gryffindors? I want to help too, and none of you are going to stop me."

Harry smiled and let out a laugh. "Wouldn't dare to try Padma, and your help would be most welcome."

The Boy-Who-Lived looked down at his unconscious friend, wondering if Nico knew what he had caused in their little group. But he also wondered about those Boggarts. A Boggart was able to reveal one's greatest fear, no matter how deeply buried. Now Harry just wondered what other sorts of secrets Nico harboured. In the end it didn't matter. He wouldn't let his friends face his nightmares and fiends alone.

00000

"When I get my hands on that son of a gorgon… should have killed him at the lake... Cerberus could use a new chew toy…"

Nico di Angelo was absolutely livid. It was three thirty in the night, or morning, of the 1st of November, and the only thing currently stopping him from abandoning the dying fire in the Gryffindor Common Room and tearing the castle apart in a search for Draco Malfoy was the half bottle of Firewhiskey on the table on his right and the Firewhiskey already coursing through his bloodstream.

Drinking strong alcohol within the castle would probably get him expelled, but murdering Draco Malfoy definitely would. Nico took another long swig. He knew that taking to the bottle wasn't the right way to do things, but at the moment he didn't care. He stared into the dying embers, face sullen. He had never lost control like that… never. But Malfoy had been right about one thing: He had been humiliated and reduced to a crying wreck in public. And once Hermione had convinced him they were gone, all of his fear and angst had been pushed away by anger. Anger so intense that nothing else existed, causing him to completely lose control. If one of them hadn't been able to penetrate the raging of his out of control powers, who knows what could have happened. He took another swig. There would consequences of this afternoon's events, he knew, but what the consequences would be was yet unknown to him. Expulsion, in all likelihood.

But the students of the school were already shunning him. He had taken one trip to the Great Hall to get something to eat, but he ended up leaving the hall without eating a bite as students of all ages kept staring at him with fear and repulsion. The son of Hades almost hurled the bottle away. All the hopes of a place where he could start afresh, where he could belong and would be welcomed: Gone. Gone, because of some brat who couldn't take losing a fight. He cursed under his breath. If he was expelled, he was taking Malfoy with him. There would be nowhere Malfoy could hide. Even if he got under the protection of the King of the Gods, Nico would get him.

"Nico?"

He turned his head slightly, not even bothering to hide the bottle of Firewhiskey. "Hermione? What are you doing up so late? Come to stop me from walking out and killing Malfoy?" He chuckled. Like she could if he really wanted to go. "Please Hermione; I'm drunk, not stupid."

Hermione adjusted her nightgown. "Partly." The she sighed. "More importantly, I came because I'm worried about you." She glanced at the bottle and took out her wand from her nightgown's pocket. "You shouldn't drink that."

Nico snorted. "Why do you care what I drink and where?" He glanced at the wand, then at Hermione. "So… it is you are going to turn me in for drinking."

Hermione frowned and pointed her wand, murmuring something he didn't catch. But he heard when she spoke again. "No, I'm not. And I care because I'm your friend, Nico, and I don't want to see you accused of something you didn't do."

Nico raised an eyebrow. "Something I didn't do?" He glanced behind him, and to his surprise, the Firewhiskey was gone. "Where…" he turned to look at Hermione pocketing her wand. "Where did it go?"

Hermione shrugged and pocketed her wand. "Somewhere no one would ever suspect: My trunk."

Nico gave Hermione a long look, which she returned evenly, before giving a wry smile. "You are full of surprises, Miss Prefect." Then he let out a sigh. "Sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm sorry."

Hermione let out a sigh, a sad smile gracing her lips. "Don't worry about it. You were, and still are, upset… and for a good reason. Just, don't try and make it a habit of snapping at people who are on your side, okay? Harry doing it can be bad enough when we are just trying to help. Now, scoot over so I can sit down."

Nico gave her a weird look before making room on the couch. Once Hermione had gotten herself comfortable, he spoke what was on his mind. "Is this another way of trying to prevent me from going after Malfoy?"

Hermione smiled, but it held no mirth. "No, not really. But I'm hoping my company will be enough to tell you that there are people at Hogwarts who care about you, despite what happened with those Boggarts."

Nico frowned, distrust evident on his face. "This smells an awful lot like one of yours, Harry and Ron's attempts at fishing for clues."

Hermione turned to look at him, a tired look on her face. "If the situation had been different, and had this been in the beginning of term, then maybe this would have been a last ditch effort on our part." Then her still slightly sleepy brain processed what Nico had said and she gave him a look that was mix of embarrassment and incredulity. "Wait, you knew all along that we were… why didn't you say anything, called us out on it? Aren't you mad at us?"

Nico chuckled and smiled a little, the first genuine smile he had managed since the Boggarts. "No, not really. You three trying to figure me out are the most natural thing to do considering how I arrived. I would be far more concerned for you if hadn't tried. As to why I didn't call you out sooner: I was having too much fun. You are all lousy at hiding your disappointment when I foiled your fishing for clues. But it was fun as long it lasted." His face fell and he looked down. When he spoke, his voice was sad, questioning. "After what happened today with the Boggarts… why are you here, alone at that? Aren't you afraid that I will hurt, like the rest of the school?"

The brunette swept a lock of her curling hair behind her ear, giving Nico a look. She knew, just by looking into his eyes that he needed to hear the truth. Moreover, she had the feeling that he would see right through her if she tried to lie. She let out a sigh and met his gaze.

"In all honesty Nico, a part of me is terrified. For a boy our age, you wield more power than I can fathom to be possible. It is unnatural that a fifteen-year-old boy can be as powerful as you are." She hesitated, looking him right into the eyes. "A greater part of me worries about my friend. That part of me wants to protect him and wants to help him, even with his greatest fears. Nico… what those Boggarts showed you… it wasn't real. It wasn't your sisters saying those dreadful things… and that thing… that monster… it wasn't you."

Nico took a steadying breath. She hadn't tried to lie to him, something he was grateful for. Her voice and her eyes carried sincerity: She wanted to help. But she was wrong about something.

"The problem is, Hermione… they are real. They are real in my mind and in my heart. Those were my three worst fears, all brought to life.

Hermione nodded. "I know. But they were only Boggarts; they assume your worst fear and use it against you." She hesitated. "Nico… your sisters… are they really…" Nico's face darkened and she hesitated for a few seconds before whispering, knowing that he would hear her regardless. "Sorry. I will understand if you don't want to talk about it."

Nico stared at her, then his face softened and he let out a sigh. Had the circumstances been any different, he wouldn't have said a word. Either that, or he would have told her to back off and mind her own business. As it was, the alcohol was loosening his tongue and after their little chat just now, he trusted Hermione. But he couldn't quite face her, opting to look into the fireplace instead.

"Bianca… the one with the green cap… she died five years ago. She joined a girl gang called the Hunters of Artemis. When their leader got captured by… a rival… my sister joined a team that set out to save their leader, but got killed in a freak accident. The leader they set out to save honoured another of those who died, but never mentioned my elder sister Bianca again in any way." He took a steadying breath. "The other girl… Hazel… is my little half-sister by a year… we have the same father. She got attacked some time ago… and is, as far as I know… in coma now. I don't know whether she will recover or not."

Hermione was horrified. Bianca had seemed no older than twelve, and she had joined a girl gang and got killed when they tried to save the gang's leader? And Hazel, a fourteen-year-old, had been attacked and was now in coma? She was almost afraid to ask. "And… the other… you?"

Nico closed his eyes, pondering his answer. Once he had it, he spoke. "Simple put: It was how I fear I will become if I allow my powers to corrupt me. My powers are of what people call the Dark Arts, and some of them border on evil, I will admit. But even what people call for Light spells can be used for evil. Regardless, I fear that someday, my powers will corrupt me like they did some of my other family." He opened his eyes and met her gaze. "People fear me because of my family and power, Hermione. And after what people witnessed today, I can't say I blame them. Dumbledore might have restored the courtyard, but what they saw will forever be etched into their memory."

Hermione lowered her gaze for a few seconds, the met his eyes. "Nico, I can't say I understand everything going on in your life and how you feel about what happened today, so I won't. You are right, people will remember what happened." She placed a hand on his cheek, once again wondering how his skin could be so cold, but she pushed the thought away. It didn't matter. "Not all will, but some will also remember the kindness you have shown them. Nico… you still have friends who care about you here at Hogwarts. You might not believe it now, but in time, you will see. According to Harry, you said something like this to Ollivander, and now it is time for you to remember it as well: One's powers do not define who you… your choices do." She hesitated for moment, then repeated what she just said, her voice, if possible, even softer than before. "People will remember your kindness. And you have people at Hogwarts who care about you... who cherish you for who you are as a person. If you don't believe my words… then believe this."

Before Nico could say or do anything, Hermione leaned in and kissed him on the lips. It was sweet and chaste and short, but he didn't protest and kissed her back. Neither did he protest when Hermione summoned a blanket and covered them both with it on the couch, snuggling up to him. Hesitant at first, he put his left arm around her and, much to his surprise, he let out a sigh of contentment at the same time as Hermione. Looking at her, he was briefly slightly to see she had already fallen asleep. Either that, or Hermione could play possum even better than he could. At this point, it wouldn't surprise him. The son of Hades made himself more comfortable. This was definitely better than Firewhiskey, he decided. Malfoy could relax; he was not taking his revenge this night.

Nico closed his eyes, sleep slowly taking hold of him. He didn't know how long his relationship, if that was what he now had with Hermione, would last, nor did he care.

At the moment, he was content and would enjoy that for once in his rotten life, things were looking up for him. For with luck as rotten as his, there was no telling how long his newfound peace would last.

End chapter 10.

AN2/2: Whew. Took longer than I initially thought. The fantastic weather outside doesn't help my writing, that is for sure. Though, it can be too hot to be outdoors at times.

Never mind. Time to answer a few questions that might arise.

No, I did not forget about the whole Parseltongue thing. That is another reason I took so long: Because I didn't know how to proceed from there. So I decided to deal with it later and proceed as I originally planned. The DA-scene turned out to be longer than I thought, and I absolutely refused to cut down on the Boggart-scene as that scene is one of the scenes that kick-started my ideas for this fic to begin with, and is one of the scenes that I've been looking forward to write the most. Same goes for the last scene, which is why the scene dealing with the trio's reaction to Nico being a Parseltongue and another scene didn't make it this time around.

Speaking of the Boggart-scene: I would like to say a big public thank-you to Ace1412. I was lost on Boggart/Dark Nico's design, but he contributed greatly to it with some of his ideas.

To those of you who don't like me pairing Nico with Hermione for this fic: Tough. I will either ignore possible flames, or use them for marshmallows and twistbread. But it will only be 4-5 months (story time) and won't become the focus point, if that can be any consolation.

My reasons for the other pairings were as follow:

NicoxParvati and NicoxPadma: I think they are hot, and the pairing would be completely new (I think)

The same pretty much goes for NicoxCho. Plus, I might have used it to cause some friction between Harry and Nico.

The reason I didn't consider NicoxLuna: It has been done many times before, but more importantly, Luna is one character I simply can't relate to. I can't get into her line of thinking, thus making it impossible for me to write her.

But as an extra treat, before the anonymous reviews, here is a little teaser or rather lines, for the next chapter, though wording might become a bit different when I actually start writing it.

00000

"Wait… are you telling me that you know where Hogwarts are? And you didn't tell us?"

"Correction: I knew of Hogwarts existence, not its location. I'm an American witch."

00000

"You want to throw a mere boy into a prison filled with the worst criminals our country has ever seen, for simply losing control of his magic because he was upset?!"

"Be that as it may, but I cannot ignore the rumours! The rumours are that he is a necromancer for Merlin's sake!"

"A rumour that was started by frightened children that may or may not have seen evidence of it. Speaking of necromancy: Have the Unspeakables found out what exactly happened with the Veil in the Death Chamber a week ago?"

00000

"Who are you girls? Put down those bows before someone gets hurt, will yer?"

"No one will get hurt if they just cooperate. We are the Hunters of Artemis and we have come to collect my cousin. Where is Nico di Angelo?"

00000

That is all you get for now. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Time to answer the anonymous reviews.

Iwazhere 7/16/13 . chapter 9

Omg I love this! Write more! Please dont make a Hermione and Nico pairing! When will you do another Percy P.O.V? Willl Nevill find out about demigods? Will any other wizards find out?! I need to know!

Response: Well, it became NicoxHermione. As for when I will make another Percy P.O.V… well, Percy's team should arrive in chapter 15 if my estimation is correct. But there probably will be an update on their progress in next chapter.

MyNameIsHiding 7/15/13 . chapter 9

Love your story. One of the best I have read so far (and I've read lots). I especially like your conflict between Nico and the camps. I'm excitedly awaiting the next chapter.

Response: Thank you I'm glad you like my new take on the camp conflict and I hope this chapter met your expectations.

kuroneko 6/25/13 . chapter 9

I love the story, you are an amazing writer, I think you managed to write one of the very few good crossovers for this two series, love it and can't wait to get more so plz update soon

Response: Thank you for the praise Well, in my opinion there are many good HPxPJO crossovers out there, but I'm glad you like it. Personally I can recommend mystiquewitch's series. Hope this chapter was a good read for you.

Omega 6/23/13 . chapter 9

You are such a talented writer!I can't wait for this AWESOME story to get published ! You hav a really good way with word, you will become AMAZING writer one day...until please keep updating while ypu can.

Suggestion:

What if Percy & HOA try to get Nico at the same time and Nico attacks them in front of the students & then Jason and co. come and break it up, just so Nico doesn't kill his sister?

Response: Thank you. It means a lot to me that you think I will become an amazing writer someday, as I've dreams of becoming an author one day.

Now as for your suggestion: Good suggestions are always welcome, but I already have their arrival planned out… more or less anyways. Hope you enjoyed the read.

Guest 6/18/13 . chapter 9

Frickin' Amazing!

Response: Thank you

Bella 6/11/13 . chapter 9

Love it

Response: Glad to hear that. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.

Nico is the hero 5/28/13 . chapter 9

Hi! I just wanted to say that I love your story! It's really really really amazing! I just have one request;

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T MAKE NICO GO WITH AN OC! IT ALWAYS ANNOYS ME WHEN THAT HAPPENS! I'm serious! sometimes when someone puts Nico with an OC I usually stop reading it. So hear me out, I'M BEGGING YOU NOT TO! Anyway I just love your story! It's just absolutely AMAZING! By the way, do you have a certain time/day/week you update? It would be REALLY be helpful if you could make a specific time, because I look to see if you update 3 times a day. LITERALLY. well, thanks, bye! keep on writing! PLEASE DON'T EVER GIVE UP ON WRITING YOUR STORY! I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE DO THAT! bye!

Response: Thank you for the compliments. And your request was granted, I didn't pair Nico with an OC. Believe me, I'm no fan of OCs. I'm already having a small headache with those I have in this story, and it will probably only get worse as time goes by, but they are necessary for the plot.

No, I don't have a specific day or time I update. Trust me, I've considered it. Problem is, it would only stress me, causing my own satisfaction and joy with writing a chapter to go decrease… not to mention my chapters would get sloppier. Another reason is that my life probably will get more hectic in a few months. Also, chances are that I would forget to post a chapter if I finished it before the deadline. It has happened before you know.

3 times a day? I'm honored. Have you considered getting an account and putting the story on your alert/follow list. Getting an account is free and if you put the story on alert/follow you will get a notification that the story has been updated in your inbox.

And don't worry: This story is one I won't quit.

Yours,

Lightningscar.

Trivia101 5/28/13 . chapter 9

This is amazing! Update soon!

Response: Thank you for the reviews (assuming you are behind them both) But I don't know when I will update again.

geust 5/27/13 . chapter 9

out of all the harry potterpercy jackson crossovers that i have read i would have to say that yours is the best. mainly because you build up tension and you describe thing a hell of a lot better than anyone else. And its also good to find a change where its nico who is the powerful one instead of Percy i just wanted to say don't give up cause this story is the best crossover yet.

Response: Thank you for the praise and compliments. I'm glad to hear I'm doing something right. Well, at this point of time, Percy is probably still stronger than Nico. But as Percy hinted at in chapter 1 (I think) they might soon be equals.

Random Person 5/22/13 . chapter 9

*le hyperventilates*

Oh my Freakin' gods!

I can't breathe. I can't breathe!

Another New Awesome Chapter! and the plot also thickens..

Percy and the others are soooooo close at finding Nico in hogwarts.

Remus Lupin has encountered the hunters.

Nico told Jason that his sister is alive and making him have that situation.

And most of all. Sybill Trelawney has annouced a prophecy! It's like having a cliffhanger at the end of chapters but ten times worst! That prophecy just gave me a headache... What does that mean!

Its awesome. Just. AWESOME!

' . .

*le hyperventilates again*

Response: Easy there! No need to hyperventilate. Yep, the plot is slowly thickening and Percy and the others are slowly, but surely, getting closer at finding Nico and Hogwarts. And I'm glad you like my prophecy. I won't tell you what it means though, you will have to keep reading to find out. Sorry about giving you a headache because of the plot though and making you hyperventilate. *hands over a plastic bag.*

Supergreekgeek 5/22/13 . chapter 9

Aaaaahhhhh! You have to totally update soon! And please hurry up and get Percy to the stinkin castle! I really want Percy to have no clue and come barging in with all his powers! Ha! Just imagin the looks on everybody's faces! No actually do a sneak attack where they get caught! Then they use their powers.! Oh just please update! And don't you dare go making Neco the bad guy!

Response: Sorry, but I don't know when I will update again, so I hope this was enough for now. As for Percy getting to Hogwarts and his entrance there: All in good time. But it shouldn't be more than 5 chapters before his team arrives.

And whoa, hold your horses. Nico the bad guy? Where did that come from? He is kinda the victim here.

Ms. Di Angelo 5/22/13 . chapter 9

Oh my gods! So, Neville does recognize Jason(Right?). I want to know what the discussion was back at the hogs head (That's what it's called, right?). How do the others react to Jason's appearence? Will Neville tell Harry, Ron, and Hermione what happened!? AHHHHHH! So many question, so little time. I like that little part with Lupin though! So sorry if there are spelling mistakes here! I'm not what hey call 'good at spelling'. But one more thing;

I LOVE YOUR STORY! One of the best 'Nico Di Angelo goes to Hogwarts' fanfiction ever! I mean it! The others are to short or Harry, Ron, or Hermione find out about demigods to quickly. Can you please update faster! I mean, it took you a month to update last time! I mean no offence to that, though. You have true master pieces! Ok, I know I said the other thing was the last thing, but this is truly the last thing;

Why do you call them HUNTERS of Artemis? Shouldn't they be called the HUNTRESSES of Artemis? I'm not questioning your works of art, but sometimes, it just annoys me. So sorry for the SERIOUSLY long comment. That probably annoys you so much. I'll stop talking now. Or typing. Typing...talking...whatever. Ok...shutting...up...now.

Response: Yep, Neville recognized Jason and I hoped the beginning of this chapter answered your question regarding the discussion back at Hog's Head. And no, Neville won't tell them… besides, after this chapter, they might be able to figure out what went down that night.

Glad you enjoyed the part with Lupin. And don't worry about spelling mistakes… I make them as well. No one is perfect.

I'm happy to hear you think so highly of my story here and want more updates, but I'm afraid I'm one of the sporadic updaters. And it probably won't get better from now on. Have you considered getting an account? That way you can get notifications whenever a story you like is being updated.

Oh, and about why I call them Hunters of Artemis: Well, because Rick Riordan does. You will have to ask him.

And no, long reviews don't annoy me. They are the best Especially if they cover what the reviewer liked/disliked.

Yours,

Lightningscar.

Guest 5/22/13 . chapter 9

could you summarize what has happened so far becuz i am seriously confused

Response: I tried summarizing the major events up till now. But it is not something I will do for every chapter. Hope it helped.